AJH BRASS

AJH Brass is a place to discover the brass arrangements of Adrian Horn. Adrian has been producing arrangements for brass bands and brass ensembles for many years, with a number of these being commissioned for bands to play at specific events and competitions.

Jump to Brass Band arrangements here or Brass Ensemble arrangements here.

FEATURED PIECES

Euphonium or Baritone Solo

In The First Light

Music by Bob Kauflin
Arranged for Brass Band
By Adrian Horn

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from Billy Elliot: The Musical

Electricity

Music by Elton John & Lee Hall
Arranged for Brass Band
By Adrian Horn

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from Dear Evan Hansen

You Will Be Found

Music by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul
Arranged for Brass Band
By Adrian Horn

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BRASS BAND ARRANGEMENTS

Also Sprach Zarathustra

Prelude (Sunrise)

Richard Strauss's Also Sprach Zarathustra (Thus Spoke Zarathustra), composed in 1896, is a tone poem inspired by Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophical novel of the same name. The work explores the eternal struggle between science, religion, and human aspiration, expressed through Strauss’s rich harmonic language and masterful orchestration. The Prelude, subtitled “Sunrise,” opens with one of the most iconic musical gestures in Western classical music: a deep, resonant C – G - C motif that builds to a majestic fanfare, symbolizing the dawning of human consciousness and the eternal recurrence of nature’s cycles.

For many, this dramatic opening has become inseparable from its later appearance in Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey, where it underscores moments of profound transformation and cosmic mystery. This cinematic association has given the Prelude a second life in modern culture, linking Strauss’s 19th-century philosophical meditation with 20th-century visions of space, technology, and evolution. Yet, even outside the world of film, the Prelude remains a powerful and self-contained musical statement — an awe-inspiring invocation of grandeur, mystery, and the search for meaning in the universe.

Apotheosis - The Marines Hymn

"The Marines' Hymn" is the official hymn of the United States Marine Corps and the oldest official song in the US Armed Forces, authorised for use by the Commandant of the Marine Corps in 1929. The lyrics for the hymn were written by an anonymous author prior to this and includes lines referencing famous battles such as "To the shores of Tripoli" referring to the First Barbary War and "The Halls of Montezuma" referencing the Battle of Chapultepec. The music, however, originates from the "Gendarmes' Duet" from Offenbach’s 1859 opera Genevieve de Brabant. Sammy Nestico, whilst best known as a composer, arranger, and conductor for the Count Basie Orchestra and as a prolific composer of television themes including shows such as M*A*S*H*, and Charlie’s Angels, was also the director of the U.S. Marine Band under both John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. In 1968, Nestico took the original version of the hymn and revamped it in his own inimitable style giving us "Apotheosis - Marines' Hymn". "I give it my heart… a Marine’s heart" – Sammy Nestico

Away In A Manger

Probably the most famous of all Christmas carols, this arrangement by Adrian Horn makes this well-loved work sparkle in a whole new light. With repeated bell calls throughout, this piece brings all the sounds of Christmas to you concerts. The melody, entitled "Cradle's Song" composed by the American born composer William J. Kirkpatrick is known worldwide and with this new arrangement, can play a feature role in your Christmas concerts.

Bridal Fanfare

The ‘Bridal Chorus’ from Wagner’s Lohengrin has been a favourite entrance for brides world-wide to make their way up to the alter. This arrangement features a fanfare motif throughout and was written by Adrian Horn for his wife Elizabeth to walk down the aisle to.

Can You Feel The Love Tonight

from the Disney film 'The Lion King'

'Can You Feel The Love Tonight' is the hit song from Disney’s 1994 blockbuster animation The Lion King. With music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice, it became an instant classic and is reprised in both the Broadway/West End musical version and the 2019 remake. This arrangement, originally commissioned for use in a wedding ceremony, sticks closely to the original version, and should be playable by most levels of band.

Electricity

from Billy Elliot: The Musical

"Electricity" is the emotional centrepiece of Billy Elliot: The Musical, adapted from the beloved 2000 film. The song gives voice to young Billy’s struggle to articulate the sheer, overwhelming joy he feels when he dances. Set against the backdrop of the 1984–85 miners’ strike in northern England, Billy’s world is one of hardship and conflict, yet in this song, we glimpse his inner freedom and passion: a moment when words dissolve into movement and music becomes a lifeline.

Elton John's soaring melody mirrors Billy’s exhilaration, building gradually from gentle, reflective phrases to a triumphant, liberating climax - an unstoppable energy conveying the transformative power of dance.

Elegy for Dunkirk

from the motion picture 'Atonement'

Atonement (2007) is a romantic drama starring James McAvoy, Keira Knightley and Vanessa Redgrave based on the 2001 novel of the same name by Ian McEwan, The film chronicles a crime and its consequences over six decades, beginning in the 1930s.

Dario Marianelli’s soundtrack for the film won an Oscar and a Golden Globe for Best Original Score. The ‘Elegy for Dunkirk’ accompanies a highly memorable scene in the film. A five minute, continuously tracked shot around the beach at Dunkirk and features Hubert Parry’s hymn tune ‘Repton’, perhaps better known as ‘Dear Lord and Father of Mankind’.

This band arrangement by Adrian Horn is an ideal piece for any Concert of Remembrance, or in any concert programme where you would normally place a hymn tune arrangement, or wish to slow things down and add a bit of gravity to the proceedings.

Evermore (from 'Beauty & The Beast')

Euphonium Solo

Disney’s remake of the 1991 animated picture gave the chance for composer, Alan Menken to add new music to the already popular soundtrack. In the original film, it was felt the Beast was missing a major feature song. This was put right in the live-action remake with the song 'Evermore' which became an instant global hit. Now arranged for Euphonium and Brass Band, this is a great new modern solo that will find favour with audiences of all ages.

Fanfare "La Peri"

The one-act ballet La Péri (1912) was Dukas’ final large-scale work dedicated to the French dancer Natalia Touhanova. Based on a Persian folk story it follows a prince’s search for the flower of immortality, and his falling in love with a sleeping fairy. As a last-minute addition before the premiere performance, Dukas added this fanfare as an introduction to the whole ballet. It is written in three parts with a grandiose opening, a gentler, more introspective middle, and a final return to the initial fanfare. N.B. the original version by Dukas did not include any percussion, as such the included snare drum and cymbals parts may be omitted if wished.

Firebabe

British rapper, singer and songwriter Stormzy may be best known for his vocal freestyling over classic grime beats, but this beautiful ballad is gorgeous departure from his usual gritty rapping. With the help of harmony genius Jacob Collier (amongst others) in shaping this song, the orchestral version commissioned by Amazon Music, not unsurprisingly, also works for the brass band medium providing a simple melody over repeating, but complex harmonies, in the build to an unresolved finish that leaves people wanting more.

Flight of the Bumblebee

for Brass Quartet and Brass Band

Give four of your fast-fingered principal players a chance to shine as a quartet with this arrangement of the famous 'Flight of the Bumblebee'. The four soloists work together as a team passing the melody between them with the band accompanying. Relatively under the fingers for the soloist, and a lot of fun to listen to!

Flight of the Thunderbird

The mythical thunderbird is a legendary creature in the history and culture of the indigenous North American people. It is said to create thunder by flapping its wings.
This energetic work - bright, vigorous and with a single, spirited tempo throughout - sees the Thunderbird soaring through the skies!
It would be an exciting opener to either the first or second half of a concert.

Percussion: If only two players are available, the Timpani and Drum Kit parts should take priority.
The Timpani part suggests where to add in some of the Tuned Percussion part if a third player is not available.

For A Moment

from the 2023 movie 'Wonka'

‘For A Moment’ is one of the hit songs from the 2023 hit musical fantasy comedy-drama 'Wonka' showing the early years of Willy Wonka (the central character from Roald Dahl’s 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory).

Grand Canyon Fanfare

James Newton Howard composed this dynamic fanfare for the closing segment of the 1991 movie Grand Canyon (starring Danny Glover, Kevin Kline and Steve Martin). Whilst the film is now largely forgotten, the music remains a vibrant and powerful statement, and a great concert opener.

Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger

'Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger' is the 2001 hit song by French EDM duo Daft Punk. In 2016, Daniel Jeakins wrote for HuffPost "For all the gifts electronic deities Daft Punk have bestowed upon pop music, no track feels quite as iconic or ingenious as 'Harder Better Faster Stronger' ... Fifteen years on from its release and it’s hard to think of a dance track that’s as prominent in popular culture or influential to modern electronic music." Whilst electronic dance music is not often associated with the sound of brass bands (with the exception of Jeremy Deller’s/Fairey Band’s Acid Brass), this arrangement might just have your audiences busting some moves on the dance floor!

I See The Light (from 'Tangled')

Cornet Solo

Disney’s take on the story of Rapunzel saw veteran Disney composer, Alan Menken score the film and from it, came the hit, ‘I See The Light’. A lyrical ballad, out of all the tracks produced for the film, Alan stated that this was his favourite of them all. This arrangement, written for Ben Bradley, Principal Cornet of Silk Brass Band, is perfect for soloists looking to perform something popular with general audiences of all ages.

I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas

Bass Section Feature

Festive Bass Section Feature! ‘I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas’ is a Christmas novelty song released in 1953 and sung originally by 10-year-old Gayla Peevey. When released nationally by Columbia Records the song hit the top of the charts. Whilst not written as a fundraiser, Oklahoma City Zoo picked up on the popularity of the song and launched the Gayla Peevey Hippo Fund to raise enough money so they could present Peevey with her own hippo for Christmas! The campaign succeeded, and Peevey was indeed presented with her own hippo, which she (as planned) donated to the city zoo. This arrangement is designed to be playable by most level of bands and allows the whole bass section to stand (or sit) at the front of the band and take the lead!

In The Bleak Midwinter

The tune "Cranford" composed by Gustav Holst is the most popular choice for the lyrics to "In The Bleak Midwinter". This arrangement by Adrian Horn has taken this gem of a melody and added a different dimension to the work. Short fanfares and a military take on this well loved carol work together perfectly to bring you something different for your Christmas program.

In The First Light

Euphonium or Baritone Solo

‘In The First Light’ is a song associated with the Christian prog rock band GLAD. Written by Bob Kauflin it has found a home in both religious and concert settings, with its simple melody unfolding in a hymn-like arc, building from quiet beginnings to a finish of exaltation and hope. n.b. If the piece is being played as a Baritone solo, the 2nd Euphonium player should play the 2nd Baritone part and the 2nd Baritone player should play the 1st Baritone part.

Jump in the Line (Shake Señora!)

Eb or BBb Bass Solo

Arranged to show off the prowess of Silk Brass' Solo BBb Bass player, Stephen Bridgehouse, this version of 'Jump In The Line (Shake Señora!) - made famous by Harry Belafonte (and not forgetting the film Beetlejuice) - , showcases the fun side of the brass band Bass player. With parts for either Eb or BBb bass soloist, it is sure to be a hit in any brass band concert!

Kiss From A Rose

from Batman Forever

Although released on Seal’s eponymous second album Seal II (1994), ‘Kiss From A Rose’ was actually written back in 1987. Seal wasn’t overly fond of the song and hadn’t put it forward for his first album, but producer Trevor Horn got hold of it for the second album and turned the song into a track that sold 8 million copies worldwide. It also garnered extra fame in 1995 when it was used as part of the soundtrack to the film Batman Forever, helping it top the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US and pushing back up to No.4 in the UK charts.

Knights of the Round Table

from Monty Python's 'Spamalot'

First heard in the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, ‘Knights of the Round Table’ was revamped for the Monty Python musical spectacular ‘Spamalot’ where it is sung by the jolly (and rather silly) Knights of Camelot, the song describes their hobbies and other un-knightly activities…

This arrangement carries on with silliness and gives your percussion team chance to take on a coconut solo (although this may be played on the shells of the drum kit if no coconuts are available!) and your principal Eb Bass player to the chance to flex his/her vocal chords with the classic line 'I have to push the pram-alot'!

Life's A Happy Song

from 'The Muppets' movie (2011)

From the hit 2011 film 'The Muppets', this arrangement captures the fun and frolics of 'Life's A Happy Song' - the tune regularly heard at the start of Sara Cox's Radio 2 'DriveTime' show. This version features many members of the band, with 'Standing' sections written for nearly all the players at various points and culminating in the whole band stood up at the big finish. A great way to close the 1st half of a concert!

Married Life

from the Disney/Pixar film 'Up'

This arrangement, originally commissioned for a wedding, is the main theme from the animated Disney/Pixar film 'Up'. With much of this music used during the opening few minutes of the film, as we get a brief look at the life of married couple Carl and Ellie Frederickson from young lovers to an old couple, before the main adventure of the film really starts.

Myfanwy

Commissioned by Kevin Gibbs and the Vernon Building Society (Poynton) Band this arrangement features the flugel, solo horn, 1st baritone and solo euphonium as a quartet at the front of the band. The quartet plays the first verse alone, with the band joining in on the second verse bringing the arrangement to climax, leaving the quartet to bring the music back down to a quiet finish. The perfect addition to any contest or concert program

Never Gonna Give You Up

Originally commissioned for the Macclesfield Youth Brass Band, this arrangement of the Rick Astley classic ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ takes the melody in a slightly darker, mysterious direction to start with, before allowing you to ‘RickRoll’ your audience once the verse and chorus hit! With a full sounding finish, this is a great way to open the 2nd half of a concert.

No Time To Die

Soprano Cornet or Tenor Horn solo

‘No Time To Die’ (2021) is the twenty-fifth in the James Bond series of motion pictures. Starring Daniel Craig in his final outing as Bond, the film’s theme the song of the same name was written and performed by American singer-songwriter Billie Eilish. This arrangement features the soprano cornet or tenor horn as the soloist, and reflects on both the simplicity and intensity of the original performance’s vocals.

Paint It, Black

The Rolling Stones hit song 'Paint It Black' arranged for British style Brass Band. A superb opener for any concert, this arrangement starts with a a big opening fanfare before falling into an up-tempo romp through the classic song. Has been used in prize-winning performances at Bolsover Festival of Brass and Wychavon Festival of Brass, and has been recorded by the Vernon Building Society Brass Band on their CD 'The Anson'.

Portals

from Avengers: Endgame

Avengers: Endgame (2019) is the 22nd film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film features many of the Marvel characters including Iron Man, Captain America, The Hulk, Thor, Black Widow and Hawkeye. ‘Portals’ is probably the most talked-about sequence in the film where Captain America finds himself facing Thanos and his entire army alone until help eventually arrives. What truly made this scene such a hit with audiences was the music by composer Alan Silvestri, with its slow build-up and incorporation of the original Avengers theme as help arrives. This arrangement for brass band captures the dramatic, exciting moment in the film.

Production Number

from 'Hollywood Suite'

Ferde Grofé is perhaps most well-known for his brilliant orchestration of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, but he also wrote a number of suites through the 1930s-1950s. His Hollywood Suite from 1938 doesn’t actually feature any music from films of the time, but was his attempt to depict what life was like working behind the scenes in the Hollywood film industry at the time, with movements that suggest janitors sweeping up, and carpenters and electricians busy working on the sets. The fourth movement ‘Production Number’, which this arrangement comes from, evokes memories of swinging 1930s Hollywood musicals – think Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire - you’ll even hear the percussion section tap dancing!

Show Me The Way To Go Home

This band feature begins as only a drinking song could do, with a trombone trio taking the lead! The song was composed by the English song writing team, James Campbell and Reginald Connelly under their pseudonyms, Hal Swain and Irvin King during a train journey, prior to which, they had enjoyed a few drinks! Arranged originally for the VBS Poynton Band, this is a great showcase arrangement of a modern classic featuring all sections of the band and giving the soloists a chance to shine. Great entertainment value.

Suite from 'Mulan'

from the Disney Film 'Mulan'

Mulan (1998) was a return to Disney's tried and tested method of having a broadway composer work on the films songs and a more serious composer to take on the score. Jerry Goldsmith took on this role, with his bold score using very little material from the songs, however he did incorporate some of their ideas into this suite giving a great taste of the Oscar nominated score.

Symphonic Suite from Star Trek

The 2009 reboot of the Star Trek films introduced a new cast as younger versions of Kirk, Spock, Bones and other characters from the original 1960s TV series. Michael Giacchino was brought in to compose the score for the film and this Symphonic Suite features some of its exciting and dramatic themes (along with a nod to the classic TV theme).

Arranged for Brass Band, the featured themes include:
Enterprising Young Men
To Boldly Go
End Credits

The Free Lance

'On To Victory

‘The Free Lance’ march uses themes taken from Sousa’s operetta of the same name. As there were so many march tunes within his operetta, Sousa tried to include them all within this march, thus giving it a longer and more unusual construction than found in most of his marches. The trio of the march is the song ‘On To Victory’ from the operetta. A name under which the march has also been published at various times. The operetta itself is about Sigmund Lump, a mercenary who hired himself out as leader to two opposing armies. He manoeuvred both armies so that neither could win, eventually declaring himself as emperor of both nations!

The Little Beggarman

This show stopping arrangement of the famous traditional Irish Folk Tune is the perfect showcase for bands looking to add something impressive to their concert or entertainment contest programmes. For those familiar with Peter Graham’s ‘Gaelforce’, Adrian Horn’s take on The Little Beggarman is of a similar vein complete with a lovely slow middle movement. The two outer movements are full of excitement and a great workout for your band’s ensemble playing. One audiences will love.

The Polar Express

(Suite from)

The Polar Express was a festive box office hit back in 2004. Featuring an animated Tom Hanks as the train conductor, it follows the story of a young boy, Billy, who embarks on an extraordinary train journey to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus, however his life takes a turn after he encounters special people that make his journey memorable.

The film’s soundtrack was composed by Alan Silvestri and this suite features four of the melodies:
BELIEVE, THE POLAR EXPRESS, WHEN CHRISTMAS COMES TO TOWN and SPIRIT OF THE SEASON

What Was I Made For? (from 'Barbie')

Cornet or Flugel Solo

Barbie (2023) is a hit comedy film based on the eponymous fashion dolls Barbie and Ken. Starring Margot Robbie as the title character and Ryan Gosling as Ken, it follows the duo on a journey of self-discovery through both Barbieland and the real world. Receiving the Oscar for Best Original Song in 2024, ‘What Was I Made For?’ was written by Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas for the film and it received universal acclaim, with many critics regarding it as one of the best songs of 2023, noting that the metaphors in the lyrics parallel Barbie’s plot beautifully. This arrangement allows your solo cornet or flugelhorn player to become Barbie themselves with its beautiful melody line and gentle accompaniment.

Wiener Philharmoniker Fanfare

Richard Strauss’s Wiener Philharmoniker Fanfare, composed in 1924, was written to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Philharmonic's annual ball. Scored exclusively for brass, the fanfare is a majestic and ceremonial work that showcases Strauss’s masterful orchestration and flair for grandeur. With its bold, ascending figures and rich, sonorous harmonies, the piece captures the splendour of the occasion and reflects the orchestra’s prestigious place in Austrian cultural life. Though just over two minutes long, the fanfare has become an enduring symbol of the Vienna Philharmonic’s identity. Often performed at gala events and formal ceremonies, it stands as a powerful musical tribute to the orchestra’s legacy. Strauss, by then an elder statesman of European music, imbued the work with both regal authority and refined elegance—making it an ideal opener for moments of celebration and significance.

With Each Sunset

(Comes the Promise of a New Day)

Composed in 2005 by Richard L. Saucedo (composer, arranger, adjudicator and Director of Bands and Performing Arts Chairman for 31 years at the William H. Duke Center for Performing Arts in Indiana), 'With Each Sunset (Comes The Promise of a New Day)' was written in memory of Jack Hensley from Cobb County, Georgia, USA, who unfortunately lost his life while working in Iraq in 2004.

This beautiful piece of music would be an ideal concert piece for Remembrance concerts or indeed, for any concert.

You Will Be Found

from Dear Evan Hansen

Dear Evan Hansen is a contemporary musical that follows the story of Evan, a high school student grappling with social anxiety and a deep sense of loneliness. When a misunderstanding leads others to believe he was close friends with a classmate who has died by suicide, Evan finds himself at the centre of a movement of healing and remembrance. As his fabricated story spirals, Evan must confront the consequences of his choices while discovering the power of honesty, connection, and acceptance.

‘You Will Be Found’ is the emotional centrepiece of Dear Evan Hansen, beginning as a quiet solo and building into a powerful ensemble anthem. It captures the moment when Evan’s words spark a viral movement, offering comfort to those who feel invisible or alone. With its soaring melody and uplifting message, the song reminds us of the strength in being seen, the importance of reaching out, and the enduring hope that connection brings - even in the darkest moments.

BRASS ENSEMBLE ARRANGEMENTS

Firebabe

Brass Septet (Flexible) + optional drums/glock

Part 1 - Bb Trumpet / Cornet
Part 2 - Bb Trumpet / Cornet
Part 3 - Bb Trumpet / Cornet
Part 4 - Horn in F / Horn in Eb / Bb Flugelhorn (or trumpet/cornet)
Part 5 - Trombone in C (bass clef) / Trombone in Bb (treble clef) / Bb Trumpet / Horn in F / Horn in Eb
Part 6 - Trombone in C (bass clef) / Trombone in Bb (treble clef)
Part 7 - Tuba in C (bass clef) / Tuba in Eb (treble clef) / Tuba in Bb (treble clef)

Optional - Drum Kit
Optional - Glockenspiel

Euphoniums/baritones may replace trombones if required.

Never Gonna Give You Up

Brass Dectet + drums & opt.perc.

Trumpet/Cornet 1 (in Bb or C)
Trumpet/Cornet 2 (in Bb or C)
Trumpet/Cornet 3 (in Bb or C)
Trumpet/Cornet 4 (in Bb or C)
Horn (in F or Eb)
Trombone 1 (in C bass clef or Bb treble clef)
Trombone 2 (in C bass clef or Bb treble clef)
Trombone 3 (Bass) (in C bass clef or Bb treble clef)
Euphonium/Baritone (in C bass clef or Bb treble clef)
Tuba (in C bass clef, Eb or Bb treble clef)
Drum Kit Percussion (Timpani/Glock) (optional)

Prelude (Sunrise) from Also Sprach Zarathustra

Brass Quintet

Trumpet 1 (in Bb or C)
Trumpet 2 (in Bb or C)
Horn (in F & Eb)
Trombone (in C bass clef or Bb treble clef)
Tuba (in C bass clef or Eb treble clef)

The Bare Necessities

Brass Septet (Flexible) + drums

Part 1 - Bb Trumpet / Cornet
Part 2 - Bb Trumpet / Cornet
Part 3 - Horn in F / Horn in Eb / Bb Flugelhorn (or Bb trumpet/cornet)
Part 4 - Horn in F / Horn in Eb / Trombone in C (bass clef) / Trombone in Bb (treble clef)
Part 5 - Trombone in C (bass clef) / Trombone in Bb (treble clef)
Part 6 - Trombone in C (bass clef) / Trombone in Bb (treble clef)
Part 7 - Tuba in C (bass clef) / Tuba in Eb (treble clef) / Tuba in Bb (treble clef)
Drum Kit

Euphoniums/baritones may replace trombones if required.
Bass Trombone may replace the Tuba part if necessary.